With a super simple method and three flavor variations, you can make the most tender, delicious Marinated Chicken Tenders in the air fryer or oven to share with the kids. One of the easiest chicken recipes for kids, ever!
Chicken tenders are one of our very favorite cuts of chicken since they are a perfect size for little kids. And this marinated version is such a delicious option.
I love that this marinating method creates chicken that’s flavorful and tender, there are easy flavor variations, and you can make it ahead of time.
Why this Recipe Works
A simple marinade of Greek yogurt, spices, and a hint of salt helps tenderize and flavor chicken for both kids and adults. Plus, the method is so easy that you can prep the chicken and stash it in the fridge for later—or make it in the moment in less than 15 minutes start to finish.
(You may also like my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Baked Chicken Tenders.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this Marinated Chicken Tenders recipe so you know what to have on hand and ready to go.
- Chicken Tenders: I like to use the boneless, skinless chicken tenders from Butcherbox, and I thaw them from frozen before starting the recipe.
- Spices: Combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt creates a delicious mix that’s flavorful enough for adults, and not too flavorful for kids.
- Yogurt: Adding some Greek yogurt (or regular-style yogurt) to the spices helps it coat well on the chicken and adds tenderness.
- Variations: To make this dairy-free, you can omit the yogurt and use avocado oil. To make a lemon version, you can omit the paprika and add lemon zest, lemon juice, and a little oregano.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this chicken recipe for kids so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full amounts and timing.
- Add the spices and yogurt to a wide, shallow bowl. Stir.
- Add the chicken and stir to coat.
- Add to a storage bag and seal if you plan to let it marinate, or add it to the tray of an air fryer or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook until just cooked through, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F.
Marinated Chicken Tenders FAQs
To make this chicken tenderloin recipe ahead, complete the steps to marinate the chicken and store in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking.
To store fully cooked leftover chicken, let cool fully, then add to an airtight storage container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Try pairing the cooked tenders with Cheesy Rice or Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, or let cool and serve with Caesar Salad. You can also add them to Pasta Salad with Chicken. Really, they’re very versatile and can go with most anything!
Best Tips for Success
- Trim the fat off the chicken tenders, if needed, using kitchen scissors.
- Omit the salt, if desired, if making this chicken tenders recipe for a baby.
- Serve with any dipping sauces your family enjoys.
- To make this recipe with chicken breast, thinly slice into strips.
More Chicken for Kids
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below!
Easy Marinated Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders (trimmed of fat if needed)
- ¼ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Thaw your chicken, if starting from frozen.
- Add the yogurt and spices to a wide, shallow bowl.
- Add the chicken. Stir to coat well.
- To marinate, add to a storage bag or container and seal, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. (You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw before proceeding with the recipe.)
- To cook, add to a greased air fryer tray or a baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Try not to overlap the chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Air-fry or bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken registers 165 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer. Serve warm, whole or sliced.
Equipment
Notes
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- To make this chicken ahead, complete the steps to marinate the chicken and store in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. To store fully cooked leftover chicken, let cool fully, then add to an airtight storage container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Trim the fat off the chicken tenders, if needed, using kitchen scissors.
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- Omit the salt, if desired, if making for a baby.
-
- Cut into thin pieces to serve or serve whole.
- Dairy-free: Sub avocado oil for the yogurt. Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to crisp the edges.
- Lemon: Omit the paprika and brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon oregano and the juice and zest of half of a lemon.
Can you freeze these? If so how do you warm them up after?
Yes, you can warm them in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes
How long should we marinate at minimum?
30 minutes at least is best.
Do you know how I would cook this in the Instant Pot? timing wise!
My best estimate is 10 minutes on high, then manually release.
This was a total winner. Nailed the dismount. 10/10 no notes. The marinade really tenderizes the chicken and is super flavorful. My husband and my 20-month-old crushed their portions and asked for seconds. I made a double batch and am so glad I did. It’s gonna show up in wraps for lunch tomorrow! One note, in case this happens to someone: I was, shockingly, out of brown sugar so I used coconut sugar instead. It still turned out fabulous!
Love to hear this!
hello is the bake time and temp the same as the air fryer?
Yes
thank you very much. i’ve made them in the air fryer and they were a huge hit but want to try the oven 🙂
Hello, so to bake it is also 375 for 10-12 minutes?
These were such a big hit in our house! The recipe was so simple and resulted in delicious juicy chicken. Adult and toddler approved!
I was excited to try this, but used almond milk yogurt instead of whole milk to avoid dairy. When I checked the tenders in the oven, they were still very yogurty so I kept them in longer but then they got too dry. Do you think the downfall was the almond milk yogurt?
Yes, I would assume that was due to the almond milk. There is a dairy-free version of the recipe in the Notes that is tested that works well for next time.
Thank you so much for replying! For the dairy free option, would I mix in the cornstarch with the avocado oil?
We made this tonight for dinner and it was delicious! The perfect weeknight dinner. I am currently breastfeeding and dairy free due to a suspected milk protein allergy for my baby, so I substituted the yogurt with avocado oil as suggested, and it turned out moist and delicious! Will definitely make this again.
The chicken was super tender! It had a little more paprika flavor than I like so I’ll definitely use less next time but that’s just personal preference. Made them with some steamed rice and will definitely enjoy the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
This was delicious!! One of the juiciest chicken tenders I’ve made. Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that!
My 10 month old LOVED the marinated chicken. Great, easy recipe!
I’m so glad!